integritymonitoring

Integrity monitoring is the practice of ensuring that data, configurations, and system states have not been altered in an unauthorized way. It aims to preserve data integrity and system reliability by detecting tampering, corruption, or drift from approved baselines. The concept applies across information technology environments, including on-premises data centers, cloud deployments, and operational technology systems.

Core techniques include cryptographic hash verification, digital signatures, and message authentication codes to confirm that files and binaries remain unchanged. Baseline comparisons track deviations from approved configurations, while file integrity monitoring (FIM) agents watch critical files, registries, and configuration data. Many implementations combine continuous monitoring, log analysis, and integrations with security information and event management (SIEM) systems to provide alerts and audit trails.

Applications of integrity monitoring span regulatory compliance (such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and various NIST frameworks), change management, software supply chain security, and incident response. Limitations include dependence on secure and up-to-date baselines, potential evasion by attackers who tamper with monitoring tools, performance overhead, and the possibility of false positives. Effective programs require tamper-evident logging, protection of baseline data, and alignment with broader risk management practices.

Common tools and services include open-source options such as Tripwire, AIDE, and OSSEC, as well as cloud offerings like AWS Config and Google Cloud Asset Inventory. The field is evolving to integrate with broader security platforms and to leverage hardware-based trust mechanisms and automated remediation to strengthen the integrity chain.